News Release

11th December 2007

DEBATE ON CANALS

At 09.30 this morning (Tuesday 11th December), Michael Fabricant opened a Parliamentary debate on the future funding of canals in the UK and the activities of the Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust. Michael is a Patron of the Trust. The debate was answered by Jonathan Shaw MP, the Waterways Minister at the Department of the Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs. Many other MPs participated.

Michael Fabricant says: "Canal funding faces a real crisis and I am glad I was given the opportunity to air these issues in Parliament. Sadly, the minister was not able to answer all my questions and we still await to hear what funding arrangements will be available to British Waterways in the future"